Temporary senator lapse seems shy of emergency

Last week we saw yet another travesty in our political system. The Legislature passed a law allowing the governor to appoint Paul Kirk as interim successor to Sen. Kennedy.

Last week we saw yet another travesty in our political system. The Legislature passed a law allowing the governor to appoint Paul Kirk as interim successor to Sen. Kennedy.

But pay attention to state law, which says that new laws normally cannot become effective for 90 days after they are passed. To circumvent this, the governor and legislators have taken the unusual step of declaring this law to be an “emergency.”

To declare an emergency, either the Legislature must pass another law by a two-thirds margin or the governor writes a letter to the secretary of state, saying that the law is necessary because “the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety or convenience” requires it.

What emergency? This is just another example of political maneuvering by our leaders. Barring a court injunction, Gov. Patrick, Sen. Kerry and legislators will have won a dubious victory. Is it any wonder that politicians are held in such low esteem?